Dana Schuppert, an expert on India-China relations, has called for the setting up of Chinese cultural centres in Chennai, Bangalore and New Delhi and Indian cultural centres in Beijing and Kunming to mark the 60th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

“There are no differences between India and China that cannot be overcome with good will, sincere, mutual understanding and joint effort,” she told The Hindu on Monday.

“We should not look at the differences, but at the combined strength of the two neighbours. We have to combine our strengths to meet the challenges on a global scale,” Dr. Schuppert said.

There should be cooperation and exchanges in the fields of information technology, culture, education, health care, pharmaceutical, hospitality and medical sectors and engineering, she said.

Dr. Schuppert, who is the founder and executive chairman of 21st Century China-India Centre for Culture and Communication, will explore the possibility of a tie-up up with the media for setting up a 21st Century China-India Round Table, CEO Forum and to initiate exchange programmes.

She said that the Round Table was essential to enable businessmen to understand the perception of India, while the cultural centres were important to learn the languages, respect the cultural diversity and business culture of the two countries.

“We would like to conduct CEO forum in India and China in alternate years with about 10 CEOs each from both nations. It would take up for discussion important issues such as education, energy saving and communication. Language is the key to culture. Communication and culture are the keys to success.

“Unless we understand each other's culture, we cannot do business and work in a successful way,” Dr. Schuppert said.

In India, people have started to learn Mandarin and Hindi will have to be taught in China.

“We can also teach Chinese calligraphy and brush painting in India since there is a great interest in these areas,” she said.

The visit of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to India in the third week of December will deepen the understanding, enhance trade and further widen communications, she said.

After the successful visits of External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna and President Pratibha Patel to China, Mr. Wen's visit will indeed be of very special importance, she added said.